Top Tips for Dealing with Hot Weather at Family Festivals
Joanna Armah-Kinson 
We all dream of hot weather at family festivals. But dehydration & sunburn can ruin your weekend. Enjoy the sunshine safely with these tips.
We all dream of long summer's day's filled with sunshine when we go to a family festival.
But sometimes it's hotter than we'd like. Which for 3 days outside can compound to cause problems.
So how do you cope with a hot and sunny family festival?
After 2024's soggy start to the UK festival season we've had a few warm days helping people believe they might actually get that much longer for warm, dry family festival weekend.
But much as many wish for hot weather at a family festival so they can avoid the mud, the heat can bring about challenges of it's own.
Over the past ten years of going to family festivals, we've experienced all types of weather. From storms that shut the stage to weather so dry anything that might cause a spark was banned. There's no doubt I much prefer long hot sunny days at a festival than wet muddy ones, but I've had my share of issues because of the sun too.
Read on and I'll share my top tips for dealing with hot sunny weather at family festivals with you.
Top Tips for Dealing with Hot Weather at a Family Festival.
1. Drink plenty of water. And I hate to be the boring one but go easy on the alcohol. I used to work for the world's largest alcohol company and their advice was to alternate an alcoholic and a soft drink. It might slow you down, but it will help you stay hydrated and I have to say, it's something I've done ever since! Take a reusable bottle with you as most festivals have plenty of taps where you can refill them.
2. Liberally & regularly apply high SPF sunscreen. Everywhere. Every couple of hours. Honestly, you cannot put too much on. Particularly if you are dancing a lot or doing other activities where you might sweat it off. However annoying, it's worth it. Get sunburnt on a Friday and you'll have a miserable Saturday and Sunday if ititss hot. As someone who burns very easily, I speak from far too much experience!
3. Pretend to be a rockstar - wear a hat and sunglasses at all times and ensure your kids do too! Wide brimmed hats are great because they will protect your ears and necks as well but any hat is better than no hat! Sunglasses are great for helping you cope with the glare and will help prevent the skin around your eyes get burnt.
4. Light coloured clothing reflects the heat whereas darker colours tend to absorb it. You might not think it makes that much difference, but actually heat maps show that it really can. Keep to lightweight, loose fitting clothing and you'll be much more comfortable. If it's really hot, you might have to ditch the all in one, fleecy fancy dress!
5. Find some shade to pitch your tent in. If you've got windows on it, keep them open and let the air flow through during the day. If it's really hot, you can tape foil blankets on the outside of your tent but be aware that they crinkle quote loudly in the wind so you might need to take them off when the sun goes down. Alternatively, if you are in need of a new tent, consider a blackout tent (search for "fresh and black" tents). They do a great job of staying cool even in the hottest temperature's.
6. Take it slow during the heat of the day, seek out the shade and take plenty of rests and /or naps.
7. Eat light meals as heavy meals can make you feel sluggish in the heat. Opt for fruits, salads, and light snacks. Fruit is really good for helping with hydration as it contains so much water.
8. I mean it's unlikely you'll be doing this anyway, but don't start any fires. Particularly if it's been dry for a while and the grass is scorched. The slightest spark can set off a fire. I have known festivals ban stoves and BBQ's because of the dryness.
9. They may not be that glamorous but a small fan can really help on still days. If you've got a misting fan, even better!
10. Take your time when moving around the festival. Try to be most active in the cooler hours.
11. If you know it's going to be hot before you go, freeze some water so it will stay cooler longer. If you can, keep it in cool box so it stays cooler longer.
With these tips in your back pocket I hope you're able to stay out of the welfare tent and have a great time.
And if you want some more tips on how to best enjoy your first (or next) family festival you can download our free guide and get 24 more top tips on taking your kids to festivals.
Download it Here
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Written by Joanna Armah-Kinson (Owner, The Fantabulous Family)
Joanna is the wife of a festival performer, who is lucky enough to spend the majority of her summer weekends at festivals entertaining her (now 11-year-old) son. As a mum who juggles a part-time job and managing two businesses, she knows the importance of good planning, and the need for flexibility and good grace when plans fall through! A lifelong adventure lover, travel, photography and spending time outdoors have always been Joanna's passions.
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